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Test for PSL judicial system

A RECORD R500,000 fine handed to Mamelodi Sundowns for their rioting supporters early last year is the subject of unprecedented negotiations with the Premier Soccer League as the club attempts to get the sum significantly reduced.

If successful, Sundowns' bid could have serious ramifications for the effectiveness of local football's judicial system, whose authority has already been undermined by 18 months of legal stalling.

But the PSL is also in a quandary over fairness as Sundowns' sanction is significantly higher than the sums recently handed out to other top clubs for similar offences, because the league has had a change of legal personnel.

The Brazilians have tried to tie up the process in legal argument since being slapped with the record amount in January last year for the fan violence that caused the departure of their coach Antonio Lopez.

They appealed against the decision and took the matter up to the South African Football Association's legal structures but the case is now back on the desk of PSL advocate Ntsietso Mofokeng.

"This appeal has been set down on two occasions last year and Sundowns asked for postponement on the basis that there are settlement negotiations between themselves and the league," said Safa spokesman Dominic Chimhavi.

"So the matter was adjourned without a date and we have advised Sundowns that in the circumstances we are closing our file as the matter was not progressing."

The PSL has confirmed that the matter is back in its hands and that Mofokeng was talking to Sundowns, but offered no other details.

Sundowns say they want the fine to be reduced because it is excessive, and compared to recent sanctions handed to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates for similar offences, it is unfair.

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